Pro-life task force eyes backing Villar, Panlilio

Cebu - Members of pro-life and pro-family organizations are eyeing Senator Manny Villar and Pampanga Governor Ed Panlilio as probable presidential candidates they will be supporting in the 2010 elections.

Dr. Rene Josef Bullecer, director of Human Life International-Cebu, in a press conference yesterday, said that a pro-life task force is out to support pro-life candidates like Villar who has been involved in the HLI programs against abortion and its other pro-life activities.

The task force, created November of last year as part of the advocacy of HLI to protect life and family, is set to release a list of candidates its members will be supporting in 2010 after completing their study on those manifesting interest to run for elective posts, Bullecer added.

Endorsing and or campaigning for pro-life and pro-family candidates for the next polls is a move of the task force to fight the legalization of abortion in the country which could possibly happen seeing that there is an allocated budget from the US amounting to almost P21 billion for 154 poor countries including the Philippines.

HLI, as a Catholic organization upholding the value of human life, has reacted to the move of US President Barack Obama in overturning the ban on giving funds for family planning organizations that carry out abortion.

The group is worried of the effects of Obama’s decision which could lead to more active, vigilant, and visible pro-abortion groups lobbying and rallying nationwide.

Because of this, they plan to enlist a more vigorous public information campaign nationwide and also challenge the Roman Catholic Church, as the “lead sector” on this fight against abortion, to act on the defense of life and family.

Bullecer also said that Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has expressed his sadness over Obama’s decision. Vidal subscribes to the opinion of Archbishop Rino Fisichella, president of the Vatican pontifical academy for life, who said that Obama “acted with arrogance in repealing the policy.” – AJ dela Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)